Chapter 53

The incident at the Countess von Kreuzer's ball had already spread throughout the country by the next morning. Surprisingly, it was prominently featured in the popular newspapers.

"Isn't it a bit too soon for it to be in the news? I wonder who leaked it..."

Opal placed the newspaper on the table and muttered. The article detailed how the recent thief, who had been troubling the streets, turned out to be the sons of nobles, written in a highly sensational manner. While it was undoubtedly a major event, what caught Opal's attention was how detailed the content was. It accurately described what happened at the ball, even quoting Claude's lines, and even included information about the Ministry of Justice that Opal herself didn't know.

"Recently, literacy rates have risen, and newspapers are becoming a form of entertainment for the citizens. If the information was going to be known anyway, the Ministry of Justice might have thought it best to provide accurate information. The thieves being from the upper class, rather than the nobility, would certainly cause a lot of backlash. With the already growing dissatisfaction among the citizens towards the nobility, it could lead to a major conflict. So, they want to present a picture where the Ministry of Justice and the decent nobles have defeated the evil nobles."

"I think it's wonderful that the citizens are gaining equal rights. However, if things move too quickly, it might create some distortions. Lately, everything is progressing so rapidly that it's sometimes scary."

"You're right. Both our country and the Kingdom of Taishi, as well as other countries, are changing rapidly. If you're not careful, you might be left behind by the times."

As Claude spoke, he picked up the newspaper from the table. When he opened it, he pointed to a particular article.

"More than that, I'm angry about this article. Who wrote this? Alan Marlon? Is he kidding?"

It was rare to see Claude so irritated. Opal, who had been preoccupied with the articles about the Kymonts, was surprised and quickly took the newspaper to read the article.

"What is this..."

As she traced the words with her finger, Opal frowned. The article not only detailed last night's arrest but also described how Opal had denounced Kymont. The headline read, "Champion of the Weak! Opal Holloway, Former Duchess of MacLeod!"

"To get my name wrong is so disrespectful!"

"Yeah, you're right. It is wrong."

"I'm Opal Fred Lusell, Duchess of Lusell. I need to protest and demand a correction!"

As Opal angrily searched for the newspaper's contact information, Claude burst out laughing. Hearing his laughter, Opal looked up.

"Why are you laughing? You were angry too, Claude."

"I was angry about the content of the article. This journalist is praising Opal, which is fine. It's true. But at the end, it says, 'I would like to get to know you better.'"

"I think it's just a casual closing remark. If Claude doesn't like it, I'll protest. I'm only interested in Claude."

"No, that's not it."

"Then what is it? This journalist probably doesn't know I'm remarried. It's poor reporting."

Opal frowned as she found the newspaper's address. It wasn't too far from here, but she had to visit the Countess von Kreuzer's house later, so she didn't have much time.

"Will I have time in the afternoon...?"

"Do you really intend to go and protest? It will likely cause a big commotion."

"It's already a commotion. I thought I'd combine the protest with a request for donations. If it's reported widely, it will not only be good publicity for the newspaper but also for the organization. It might even increase donations from other companies and individuals. There's no reason not to do it."

As Opal spoke with determination, Claude laughed again. He thought that being with Opal was never boring. Regardless of the headline and closing remarks, the content of the article was as follows:

"Opal Holloway, who was deceived and irresponsibly impregnated by Jeb Kymont, took measures to secure child support from Kymont to help the women and children he had wronged. She boldly denounced and cornered him at the Countess von Kreuzer's ball. Opal, who received a large fortune upon her divorce from the Duke of MacLeod, has used it to increase her assets and support those in need. She has established a protection organization, focusing on the welfare of women, and has begun extending her efforts beyond the capital to the regions."

The mention of the regions was likely based on Opal's trip to the town of Nobori. In reality, Opal was actively working on establishing charitable organizations in regional cities. Claude felt a sense of guilt, wondering if it was right to take Opal to the Kingdom of Taishi, given her efforts to help the impoverished in this country. She seemed so vibrant and alive.

"Claude, is something wrong? Is it improper for a lady to do this?"

"No, not at all. It's different."

Noticing that Claude, who had been laughing a moment ago, had suddenly become serious, Opal asked. She had many things she wanted to do, but her top priority was to cherish Claude. Her feelings hadn't changed since she accepted his proposal. Opal had been a bit anxious, wondering if she had rushed things while in this country, but Claude's response was unexpected.

"You're working hard to help the impoverished in this country, and I was thinking if it was right to take you to the Kingdom of Taishi for my sake. You seem so lively and vibrant now."

"That's true. My recent worries have been somewhat resolved, so I'm happy."

"Worries?"

"Yes. I've been thinking about how to make more people—especially those in need—aware of the protection facilities and charitable organizations. While it's well-known in the capital, it's still not widely known in the regions. Even in a city as large as Nobori, it's not well-known. But with this newspaper coverage, things might start to change, bit by bit. If more people support it, it would be perfect."

"Indeed..."

"Also, the people I want to help aren't just from this country. The people of the Kingdom of Taishi are the same. That country was more developed than this one, but the social awareness hasn't changed much, and there are still many people in the regions who haven't recovered from disease and civil unrest. This country is where I grew up, and I know the situation well. There are still few supporters, but I can manage without being here. I'm meddlesome, so I intend to help the people of the Kingdom of Taishi next."

As Opal declared this with pride, Claude looked relieved. Then, he broke into a broad smile. Opal's heart skipped a beat and started racing.

"Thank you, Opal."

"Y-You're welcome. Ah, I need to get ready to go out!"

"Right. If you're too late, you'll be late to the newspaper office."

"That's true! See you later!"

In the end, Opal fled the scene as if making a tactical retreat. Even though they had been married for nearly a month, she still got flustered by Claude's small gestures and words. Opal entered her room, took a deep breath, and confirmed out loud what she needed to do today, trying to calm herself down.